Flying solo? Here are 5 tips

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or still get lost at Changi Airport, flying alone requires a lot more alertness than when you’re travelling in a group.

You have to be at your best when travelling alone as there’ll be nobody else around to ensure you don’t miss your flight and you’ll have to handle any hiccups on your own.

Here are five tips to make your solo flights easy and stress-free.

Pick the aisle seat

Inexperienced flyers tend to scramble for window seats, but frequent travelers know they cannot compare with aisle seats when it comes to comfort and convenience.

Requesting an aisle seat means you can get up to go to the toilet whenever you want without worrying about having to wake up the person next to you. And while you don’t get to lean against the window, you have a bit of extra space in the form of the aisle where you can stretch your legs.

If online check-in is available, log in and select an aisle seat on the seating plan. Otherwise, request an aisle seat at the check-in counter.

Wear a watch

While smartphones have largely eliminated the need for watches, it is a good idea to always wear one when you’re travelling. Time is of the essence when you are travelling as you cannot afford to miss flights or other transport connections.

By relying only on your smartphone, you run the risk of draining your battery prematurely. Some airlines also prohibit the use of electronic devices during take-off and landing. Adjusting the time according to a new timezone is also a lot simpler on a watch than a smartphone. Plus, when you are rushing to catch a connecting flight that’s about to leave without you, you don’t want to have to fumble in your pocket for your phone to check the time.

Pick an affordable and reliable watch from a brand such as Casio, and leave that expensive Rolex at home as it might invite theft.

Take screenshots or photos of all your travel documents

Losing an important travel document such as your passport or onward ticket can be disastrous. While your travel insurance should cover you for such mishaps, taking screenshots or photos of all your travel documents can make it easier for you to prove your identity and travel plans.

So make sure you have copies of all important documents including your passport, IC and any tickets you’ve booked, whether they be for flights or other forms of transport.

Don’t check in luggage if you can help it

If you’re travelling with a full-service airline, you should be given the option to check in luggage for free. However, that doesn’t mean that you should.

If your luggage is small enough to be taken on board as hand carry baggage and you do not have any prohibited items or liquids, don’t check it in.

As a solo traveller, having only hand carry baggage saves you from having to wait around at the baggage carousel upon landing. There’s also no chance that your luggage will get lost or delayed, bearing in mind that delayed luggage is a lot more stressful when you’re travelling alone as you won’t have any travel companions to borrow clothes and essentials from.

Carry a water bottle

Flying is very dehydrating, so you’ll want to make sure you have a refillable water bottle in your hand carry bag. As a solo traveller, you need to take care of your body as there’ll be nobody to look after you if you suffer from illness or fatigue.

Empty the bottle before going through the security check, and then refill it at a water cooler or on the plane if possible. On full-service flights, get a flight attendant to refill your bottle just before landing so you’ll have access to drinking water at your destination.

Buy travel insurance

Before you take to the skies, don’t forget to protect yourself with travel insurance from HL Assurance. Find the latest travel insurance promotions and deals on our website.